Interventions for the Wellbeing of Students At the University of Helsinki

The psychological, social, and health consequences of psychological ill-being, particularly loneliness, are well-documented among students, which underlines the importance of providing adequate support. Groups 4 Health (G4H) is a promising psychosocial group intervention focused on improving well-being by supporting social connectedness and belonging.

In earlier Australian studies G4H has decreased loneliness and social anxiety and increased group memberships significantly more than treatment as usual. When compared to cognitive behavioral therapy G4H has showed continued reduction in the participants' loneliness at the end of the intervention period and in the follow-up.

Research on the G4H intervention's effectiveness outside Australia and research on the intervention's cost-effectiveness is lacking. Therefore, this clinical study investigates the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the G4H among the University of Helsinki students in Finland.

The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the G4H will be compared to two other active intervention groups: the well-being groups facilitated by the study psychologists at the University of Helsinki and an online course for students' well-being. Effectiveness will also be compared to students who do not participate in any well-being courses or interventions. The investigators hypothesize that all the active intervention groups promote student well-being.

Questionnaires and University of Helsinki registry data will be gathered before and after the interventions to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the interventions. The factors that influence the intervention's effectiveness and cost-effectiveness will also be studied.

In addition to these research questions, qualitative methods are used to explore the challenges and possibilities identified in the G4H-intervention regarding inclusion and equality.